Hearts, Port City clash in GPL thriller
THE University of Ghana Stadium in Legon will come alive on Sunday as debutants Port City cross swords with Accra Hearts of Oak SC in a Ghana Premier League Matchday Six encounter.
Both teams come into the game with contrasting fortunes, setting the stage for an exciting clash.
Visitors Port City are in fine form, having recorded three wins, one loss and a draw, including an impressive 2-0 away victory over former league champions Bibiani Gold Stars.
Ahead of the fixture, the Adonten Royals, as they are nicknamed, have served notice of their intention to beat the Phobians on their own grounds, just as their feeder side, True Life Academy, did against the same opponents in last season’s MTN FA Cup.
The Phobians have picked up just two points from a possible nine in their last three games, a run that has left their vociferous fan base livid.
Furthermore, Port City’s warning has sent shivers down the spine of the Phobian family, with fans growing increasingly impatient with the management, technical team and playing body following the team’s recent poor results.
The Hearts technical team, led by Serbian coach Nebojša Kapor, is well aware of the consequences should his side falter in this fixture.
Hearts have recorded just one win in their last three seasons against newly promoted sides, a record Port City will look to exploit on Sunday.
Before that eagerly anticipated clash, Asante Kotoko will travel to Swedru Stadium on Saturday to face Swedru All Blacks.
The game has generated plenty of talking points, especially among All Blacks fans, who are unhappy after claiming they received a raw deal at the hands of referee Nathan Anafo in their previous game against Aduana FC in Dormaa.
While urging their team to topple the visitors, the fans have called for fair officiating, which they consider a key factor in determining the outcome of the match.
Kotoko, however, have maintained a low profile ahead of the game, preferring to do their talking on the pitch.
League leaders Medeama SC will remain at the TnA Stadium to battle Kpando Heart of Lions in another top-liner this weekend.
In other matches, fourth-placed Aduana FC will travel to Wenchi Stadium to face Young Apostles FC.
Berekum Chelsea FC will welcome Debibi United to Golden City Park in Berekum, while Gold Stars SC will face Basake Holy Stars FC at Bibiani Dun’s Park.
At Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem, Bechem United will look to put their disappointing 3-1 defeat to debutants Port City in Akyem Kukurantumi behind them when they host Vision FC.
Newcomers FC Ashantigold 04 will take on Samartex FC at Len Clay Stadium, while Karela United will welcome bottom-placed Dreams FC to Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
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